North American sales of electronics, HBA up 28.4% for Amazon

By Michael Johnsen

SEATTLE — Amazon on Thursday reported a net sales increase of 22% to $16.1 billion for its first quarter ended March 31. Of that, $9.4 billion was sourced from the North American market. North American sales of electronics, health and beauty products, among other merchandise, reached $6.1 billion for the quarter, up 28.4%.

During a conference call with analysts, Amazon CEO Tom Szkutak declined to confirm rumors that Amazon is investing in additional refrigeration equipment across its fulfillment center footprint with plans to expand AmazonFresh.

"Nothing to announce here," he said. "We are very pleased with what we've seen in the Seattle area. It’s been a test and we continue to monitor that test carefully. It’s certainly something that we see that customers love the experience. The challenge always has been in making sure we get the economics right and that is something we will continued to focus on."